David Corn is Right

I don't frequently agree with David Corn.  But one issue developed this week, and on this issue, I do hold Corn's position.  Visiting Alabama this week, Giuliani was asked his position on the Confederate flag; should it fly at the statehouse?  Giuliani's answer?  This decision should be left to the states.

Fine.  Frankly, as far as it goes, I agree with Giuliani.  Nevertheless, one need not answer that, and then remain mute.  What happened to, "Although I believe this is a states' rights issue, I do not think that the flag should be displayed, except for historical reasons"?  Whether or not the states ought to have the right to do something that is offensive and hurtful to a significant proportion of its citizens, and something that is a painful reminder of a terrible time in our nation is one thing.  Whether they ought to do so is another.  Giuliani ought to have been clear on that.

David Corn raises this issue in this Pajamas Media discussion.  I'm happy to add that the conservative viewpoint is in concert with Corn. 

Let's hope that Giuliani revisits this issue soon, and next time around, takes the high road.  If he loses some racist Southern votes; so be it.  He may find himself losing some of his constituency - like myself - if he doesn't clarify his position.

Comments

[LLR]

I have to chime in on this issue. I live in MS and 4 years ago we put the flag on the ballot. The voters decided to keep the current flag.

I for one and for a new flag, but it’s not that important of an issue. I won’t be loosing and sleep over it anytime soon.

Tell me an issue that is more of a state issue than their flag. That’s like the federal gov’t deciding what the state song or bird is. Like I said I don’t like the flag, but I don’t like the feds messing with state issues even more.

[Peg]

I'm not arguing that it is NOT up to each state to decide. It is.

Still. One can say "Every state must decide for itself. I, however, think that all states should decide not to fly it, for such and such reasons."

That a candidate would not speak out against the flying of the Confederate flag bothers me.

[LLR]

I'm not arguing that it is NOT up to each state to decide. It is.
I don’t get it. Do you think that each state should decide its state flag?

Still. One can say "Every state must decide for itself. I, however, think that all states should decide not to fly it, for such and such reasons."
I agree that each state should decide not to fly the flag. I think that each state that has such a s flag should change the design, but what can you do when people decide to keep the current design?

That a candidate would not speak out against the flying of the Confederate flag bothers me.
The GOP candidates should not worry about losing any votes b/c of the flag. It’s not like the Dems are going to pick up their vote because of the flag issues because the Dems would be against the flag as well.

[Greg]

Giuliani taking the high road on this issue. I will not hold my breath and wait for that one. Given Giuliani's abysmal record on race relations, I am not shocked to find him not flying a Confederate Flag himself.

[Peg]

My own personal opinion is that the Confederate flag, outside of being displayed for historical uses, is a hurtful and offensive symbol. While any state can choose to fly it - I happen to believe that any state that chooses to do so is harming their citizens and tarnishing their own image.

A few words from Rudy to this effect would have been nice. That's all.

[LLR]

Yeah I feel ya. I live in one of those states. Like I said I am against the flag and I don’t even own one, but I don’t think that the fed should be interfering with the issue. It’s Ok for them to speak about it. Please do that. You may help change a lot of minds.

Also I just saw Rudy on TV and he was mentioning that he supports school choice.

Dang it. I was looking for a reason not to like Rudy. I am getting a love/hate relationship with Rudy. I know that we disagree on some issues with but when I hear him talk he captivates me and pulls me on his side.

I can’t wait for Thompson to enter the race so I can get rid of the love/hate relationship with Rudy.

Given Giuliani's abysmal record on race relations, I am not shocked to find him not flying a Confederate Flag himself.
Low blow Greg. Be nice. LOL